26/10/2026
The lives we don’t see when the veld catches fire. 🔥
When we think of a bushfire, we often think of the land it leaves behind. The blackened grass. The smoke. The trees and vegetation reduced to ash.
But what about the lives caught in its path?
This little hedgehog came into our care with severe burns after a fire. Our team and the vets did everything they could to help, but sadly, this little one did not survive.
It is one of the hardest parts of what we do. To meet a life so small and vulnerable, to try everything we can, and still have to say goodbye.
During Zimbabwe’s dry season, veld fires can spread quickly, destroying habitats and killing wildlife that has nowhere safe to go. For small, slow-moving animals like hedgehogs and tortoises, escaping the flames can be almost impossible.
And so many of these lives are lost without anyone ever knowing.
But many fires are preventable. And that means we all have a part to play.
🔥 Before burning, consider the conditions, follow local fire regulations and make sure appropriate firebreaks are in place.
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended. If you see a veld fire, report it as early as possible.
🔥 If you find an injured wild animal after a fire, keep your distance from the danger, and contact a vet or wildlife rehabilitator immediately for guidance. Avoid handling burns unnecessarily or giving food, water or medication unless instructed by a professional.
We cannot undo what happened to this little hedgehog. But we can share its story, raise awareness and help prevent another animal from suffering the same fate.
To everyone who tried to save this little life, thank you. Even when we cannot change the outcome, every life deserves that effort.
The wildlife we protect is not only the wildlife we can see. 💜
